Investing in the health of the 41-60 year old : reaping the return in the 60+ population?

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing brings an increased burden on healthcare systems. In Malta cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality accounting for approximately 40% of all deaths. It is assumed that effective prevention strategies targeted at the middle-aged population would translate in better health outcomes in our elderly population. Aim: To investigate how lack of awareness of conditions such as high blood pressure and high blood glucose level in the 41-60-year age group could influence the health status of future generations of elderly in our population. Methodology: Two risk factors for cardiovascular disease namely raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were identified for analysis: (i) The comparison of perception and measurement of the selected risk factors assessed in 2 cohorts aged 41-60 years at two different time points: (a) 1981/4 and (b) 2008/2010; (ii) The analysis of any changes in perception and measurement of these risk factors over time between the 1981/4 sample and a follow-up sample drawn from the first cohort 30 years later, now 60 plus years of age. Results: Awareness for hypertension has increased in the 41-60-year olds over the 30-year period. However, awareness for diabetes has decreased in the same cohorts. Awareness for both hypertension and diabetes has increased as the 41- 60-year olds reach 60+. Conclusion: Improved perception for hypertension and diabetes in the 60+ group is not matched with better control of the condition. Medical intervention in the 41-60-age group in the 2008/2010 sample has resulted in better control of blood pressure, but not of blood glucose. These results highlight the need for stepping up awareness and screening for these conditions especially in the 41-60 group coupled with better control.